Orphaned teenage student Kirsty Oldfield is to continue her A-level studies after wellwishers have pledged more than £40,000 to support her in less than a week.

Last Tuesday, the Telegraph & Argus exclusively revealed the desperate plight of 17-year-old Kirsty, a pupil at Salt Grammar School in Baildon.

Left orphaned when her mum and dad died within months of each other, Kirsty found it too difficult to survive on a meagre Education Maintenance Grant of £30 and wages from a part-time restaurant job.

She told her teachers she would have to give up her education ending her dream of going on to university.

Kirsty, of Daleside Road, Windhill, Shipley, who was described as a role model by teachers, says she was even told by a benefits adviser that she would be better off getting pregnant, which would entitle her to more state cash.

Her story generated huge public interest, and the incredible response from people across the world has seen more than £40,000 pledged so far.

Vickie Clayden, administration manager for Salt Grammar, said £6,175 has already been received by the school with thousands more being pledged from both businesses and individuals.

Speaking on behalf of Kirsty, who was suffering from flu yesterday, Miss Clayden said: "I know she is absolutely amazed by the response.

"She's stunned and can't believe that there's so much support out there."

She said Kirsty was now determined to continue her studies. "She wants to carry on at school to pay back those who have put their faith in her. If anything, this has made her more determined to carry on and this show of support can only push her through.

"She's so down to earth and her jaw hit the floor when I told her how much had been pledged today."

Much of the money came from pensioners sending in £5 or £10 notes. One anonymous donor, believed to be a British ex-pat millionaire living in Mauritius and himself an orphan, was so moved by Kirsty's heartbreaking tale he contacted the school to pledge £20,000. Bradford businesses, a London law firm and an individual in Monte Carlo have also been in contact with the school to find out how they can help.

The school is now in the process of setting up a trust fund for Kirsty. "It has been absolutely crazy," said Miss Clayden. "We have had anything from £10 to £1,000 from individuals and a law firm in London has been very helpful and offered £3,000 and a free lap-top computer and printer.

"There is a gentleman from Mauritius who was orphaned himself and wants to donate £20,000. We are in the process of setting up a trust fund, then we will speak to him to see if it is viable.

"We will have to think very carefully about how to proceed with this now but the response has amazed everyone."

Shipley MP Philip Davies, who has raised Kirsty's circumstances with Schools Secretary Ed Balls after he was contacted by one of her teachers, said: "I just think the level of kindness and generosity is absolutely amazing. I'm sure it will restore people's faith in human nature.

"I think it is desperately sad it has got to this stage where people are having to donate their hard-earned money and I believe that this is something that the Government should be funding.

"But I think it is absolutely heart-warming that people want to help a tremendously good cause."

Mr Davies said he was still waiting for a response from Mr Balls.

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